If you were looking for a script that didn't go according to the chalk, the 2025 college basketball season was basically a fever dream. We saw a legendary program reclaim its throne in the women’s game and a sudden, gritty resurgence in the men's. Honestly, people were still arguing about the officiating in San Antonio weeks after the final buzzer.
The short answer? The Florida Gators are your 2025 Men’s National Champions, and the UConn Huskies took home the 2025 Women’s National Championship.
Who Won College Basketball Championship 2025 (Men’s Division)
The Florida Gators pulled off something kinda spectacular at the Alamodome on April 7, 2025. They faced the Houston Cougars in a game that was mostly a defensive fistfight. Houston had spent the better part of the season looking untouchable under Kelvin Sampson, but Todd Golden’s squad had that "refuse to lose" energy.
Florida won 65–63.
It wasn't a pretty game for the purists who love high-scoring shootouts. Florida actually trailed by 12 points in the second half. Imagine the stress in that Gator locker room. They were ice cold from the floor until Walter Clayton Jr. decided to just take over.
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Clayton was named the Most Outstanding Player, and he deserved every bit of it. He didn't even score in the first half! Then, he exploded for 11 points in the second half, including a crucial drive that put the Gators ahead late. Houston had a chance to tie or win in the final seconds, but Emanuel Sharp coughed up a turnover that basically sealed their fate. It was Florida’s third title ever and their first since the Billy Donovan back-to-back era in 2006-07.
The Men’s Final Four Breakdown
- Champions: Florida Gators (defeated Houston 65–63)
- Runner-up: Houston Cougars
- Semifinalists: Auburn Tigers and Duke Blue Devils
- Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Todd Golden has really turned that program around fast. He leaned hard into the transfer portal, and it paid off with a ring. Houston, on the other hand, is still searching for that elusive first title despite being one of the most consistent teams of the last five years.
The UConn Dynasty Returns in the Women's Championship
On the women’s side, things felt a bit more familiar, yet no less dramatic. On April 6, 2025, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, the UConn Huskies reminded everyone why they own this sport. They played South Carolina—the defending champs—and absolutely dismantled them 82–59.
This wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
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Geno Auriemma has been at this for 40 seasons. Think about that. Most coaches don't last 10. This was his 12th national title, breaking a nine-year drought that some people (foolishly) thought meant the UConn dynasty was over.
Why the Huskies Dominated
The "Big Three" for UConn was simply too much. Azzi Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong both put up 24 points. Paige Bueckers, in what many expect to be her final college performance before the WNBA, added 17.
When you have three players combine for 65 points, you aren't going to lose many games. They outscored the entire South Carolina roster by themselves. South Carolina’s Dawn Staley is a tactical genius, but her team struggled to find a rhythm, shooting only 34% from the field.
Azzi Fudd earned the Most Outstanding Player honors. After dealing with so many injuries over her career, seeing her peak at the right time was one of those sports moments that actually makes you feel something.
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Key Takeaways from the 2025 Season
College basketball is changing. The transfer portal and NIL have made it so teams like Florida can go from "okay" to "National Champions" in a couple of seasons. Meanwhile, the women's game is seeing record-breaking attendance and TV ratings. Over 700,000 people showed up for the men's tournament alone this year.
The parity is real. Even though a blue blood like UConn won the women's title, the road there was full of upsets.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re looking to follow these teams into the 2026 season, keep an eye on the following:
- The WNBA Draft: Expect Paige Bueckers to be the consensus No. 1 pick. Her departure will leave a massive hole in UConn's roster that Sarah Strong will likely have to fill.
- Florida’s Retention: Watch if Todd Golden can keep his core together in the age of the portal. Walter Clayton Jr. is a hero in Gainesville now, but the lure of professional ball is always there.
- Houston’s Revenge: Kelvin Sampson isn't going anywhere. They’ll be back in the top 10 next November.
If you missed the games, the full replays are usually floating around the NCAA's official YouTube channel. It's worth a watch just to see that Florida comeback or the surgical precision of the UConn offense.
To stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season, you should start tracking the early "Way-Too-Early" Top 25 polls that drop in May. These give you a baseline of which rosters are reloading and which are rebuilding after the graduation of stars like Bueckers and Clayton Jr.